Portland, TN · Sumner County
Certificate of Appropriateness Application
This four-page application lets property owners or their agents request historic preservation approval for proposed work in Portland and submit project details and supporting materials.
- licensed online notary
- ~15 min average
- Notarized PDF emailed
What you’ll need
- Government-issued photo ID
- Webcam-enabled device (laptop or phone)
- This form, ready to upload as a PDF
What this form is
Use this City of Portland Historic Preservation Commission application to describe a proposed project involving a property in a historic district, including construction, exterior changes, demolition, or signage. Applicants provide project details and the supporting materials relevant to the work. The form states that an Agent Authorization Form is required for all applications; its owner-authorization section includes a notary acknowledgment. Incomplete applications may be deferred until the required information is provided.
Who needs it
Property owners or their agents applying to the City of Portland Historic Preservation Commission for approval of proposed work should complete this application and provide the required supporting materials.
Why it needs a notary
The form includes an acknowledgment block in the Agent Authorization Form; the property owner signs the authorization before a notary.
How to get this notarized
- 1
Download The Application
Get the City of Portland Certificate of Appropriateness application and review its four pages.
- 2
Complete The Application
Enter project, property, applicant, and owner details; describe the work and gather relevant supporting materials.
- 3
Book An Online Notary
Arrange an online notarization for the owner authorization acknowledgment.
- 4
Sign On Video
The owner signs the Agent Authorization Form during the online notary session.
- 5
Submit To The City
Submit the completed application, notarized authorization, and supporting materials to the City of Portland.
Preview the form
The blank PDF straight from Portland. Look it over, then upload your filled copy to start the notary session.
You’ll need ID and a webcam.
A licensed online notary will join you on video, verify your government-issued ID, witness your signature, and apply their seal. You’ll receive the notarized PDF by email when the session ends.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the Certificate of Appropriateness application for?
- It is the City of Portland Historic Preservation Commission application for proposed work such as exterior changes, new buildings, demolition, or signage.
- Do I need to include an Agent Authorization Form?
- Yes. The application says an Agent Authorization Form is required for all applications. Its owner authorization includes a notary acknowledgment.
- How do I get the owner authorization notarized online?
- Book with a commissioned online notary, then have the owner sign the authorization during the video session. Tennessee authorizes online notarization by notaries who register with the Secretary of State.
- What supporting documents should I submit?
- Include materials that explain the request, such as project descriptions, site plans or sketches, elevations, material details, and current photographs, as relevant to the proposed work.
- Can an agent submit the application for the property owner?
- The form provides for an agent to act for the owner and requires the Agent Authorization Form. It also says a purchase contract may be provided to support an applicant’s right to request approval.
Certificate of Appropriateness Application in other Tennessee cities
Each city publishes its own version of this form. Pick the city where you’re filing.